Joao “The Brazilian Samurai” Zeferino is about to literally square off against the biggest challenge of his mixed martial arts career on Friday. The BJJ black belt is set to meet UFC veteran Sean Salmon at a catchweight of 195-pounds in the co-main event of North American Fighting Championship “Unleashed” in Milwaukee.

Returning to the cage for the first time in over two years, Zeferino said he hopes to make a big statement in the bout against Salmon. The Roufusport fighter looks to erase the memory of a poor showing against Eddie Larrea at Konquer the Kage 26 that snapped a five-fight win streak.

“That fight I wasn’t there,” Zeferino said about his last MMA fight. “I was cutting a lot of weight and I had a lot of problems before the fight. That’s no excuse but my mind wasn’t there. But this one is different. I’m mentally ready and I feel 100 percent in all aspects.”

From the outside the matchup looks to be the classic grappler versus wrestler contest. But no matter where the fight goes, the 25-year-old Zeferino says he is ready.

“Man, I’ve been working so hard and I feel great and (I’m in) the best shape of my life. He’s saying he’s going to knock me out but that’s not ever going to happen. I’m a jiu-jitsu world champion so if he wants to go to the ground it’s not going to be a problem but stand up has been my most improved part and I’m getting way better so if he says he’s going to knock me out we’ll see what happens.”

Zeferino said that the fans can expect an exciting performance when the cage doors shut on Friday night.

“My fans can expect like a big show. I’m not going only to beat this guy I’m going to go big. I’m going to finish the fight, I can’t promise that, but I want to finish and I want to great against him.”

Watch the entire interview at US Combat Sports as Zeferino also discusses the areas in which he is better than Salmon and the benefits he reaps from training under Duke Roufus in Milwaukee.